THE HENS OF ORIPÒ

by Edward Lear, English artist, writer; known for his 'literary nonsense' & limericks (1812-1888)

The aged hens of Oripò,They tempt the stormy sea;Black, white and brown, they spread their winAnd o'er the waters flee;And when a little fish they clutchAthwart the wave so blue, They utter forth a joyful note, -A cock-a-doodle-doo! O! Oo! Oripò - Oo! the hens of Oripò!

The crafty hens of Oripò,They wander on the shore, Where shrimps and winkles pick they up,And carry home a store;For barley, oats, or golden corn,To eat they never wish, All vegetably food they scorn,And only seek for fish. O! Oo! Oripò - Oo! the hens of Oripò!

The wily hens of Oripò,Black, white and brown and gray, They don't behave like other hens;In any decent way. They lay their eggs among the rocks,Instead of in the straw,................................. .................................O! Oo! Oripò - Oo! the hens of Oripò!

The nasty hens of Oripò,With ill-conditioned zeal, All fish defunct they gobble up,At morn or evening meal. Whereby their eggs, as now we find,.................................A fishlike ancient smell and tasteUnpleasant doth pervade. O! Oo! Oripò - Oo! the hens of Oripò!